Thoughts on the journey of an ordinary man following an extraordinary God

Friday, May 24, 2013

Remembering a Sunday School Teacher

When I was young, I had a very special Sunday School teacher (and the first one I am old enough to remember) named Rose Ward. She loved me from the time I was in her pre-kindergarten class until she died earlier this week. Her only child and daughter, Sharon, was a few years older than I, and she asked that I share some thoughts at her funeral (with a few minor changes). This is what I shared during that time.

*****

I have many good memories of Rose.My Mom and Rose were friends and as a young
child I remember spending time at their house.Rose was the first Sunday School teacher I remember – pre Kindergarten.What I remember best was the many, many times
she hugged me and asked, “How’s my boy?”At that time, there was no doubt in my mind that I was special to her –
and I have always felt that way.Whether
or not she said that to the other boys, I have no idea, but I do know that I
always felt special.I came from a
loving home where were brought up to serve the Lord.Yet, having a Sunday School teacher who loved
me meant so much.I could name all of my
Sunday School teachers – and they all had an impact on my life – but Rose was special.No one else referred to me as she did - “my boy”.Never underestimate the power of loving –
especially loving a child.

For children, those early years are so important, and Rose
always loved me – both as my teacher and afterwards.At that point, she had no idea what type of
man I would turn out to be, but she loved me anyway.For years, I was active in our local
church as a layman and now I am a minister.I believe that my Sunday School teachers,
including Rose, had a part in my spiritual development from an early age.I remember that we had moved into a new church
building and our class ended up meeting in what basically was the furnace
room.Whether that was an issue for Rose
or not, I never knew.I just knew she
was my teacher and she loved me.Never
underestimate the power of teaching – especially teaching a child.

We moved when I was in seventh grade, so I did not see Rose
as much after that.But I did see her
several times when I was going to college – and she still loved me, was
interested in me, and still treated me like I was “her boy”.We reconnected on Facebook several years ago –
and I was honored to be included as one of her “own” when she talked about her
family.It was a privilege to visit her
in the hospital three years ago before we left for Ukraine so we could encourage
her in a small way.She seemed proud of
the man I had become – and my only hope is that she knew how much she meant to
me.Her encouragement and love helped me
want to follow Christ, just as she encouraged others to do.Never underestimate the power of
encouragement – especially encouraging a child.

We have learned to pass on what Rose started to demonstrate to me.We love kids – whether our own, someone else’s
or no one's.In Ukraine, we loved going
to the orphanage to spend time and just love on kids.Thank you, Rose, for loving me.We teach kids – mostly by example – as they
watch our lives to see that what we are living is genuine.Thank you, Rose, for teaching me. We encourage kids by being their friend and
being interested in what they do.Thank
you, Rose, for encouraging me.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said:

"To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived
This is to have succeeded."

Rose was successful in being who God made her to be. Today, if Rose were to ask me, “How’s my boy?”, I would
answer – “Your boy is fine.All is well
with my soul.I miss you. I love you. Thanks for loving, teaching, and encouraging
me.Save a place at the table for me.”

*****

What about you? Did someone have a great impact on your life? Have you shared that with them or their family?